BACKGROUND

A highly motivated Bioinformatician is required, to investigate genomic datasets from defined projects carried out by our team. The appointment grade will be commensurate to the successful applicant's expertise.

Our Group studies the pathogenesis and treatment of haematological cancers with an emphasis on myeloid leukaemias. We work towards this through a number of complementary approaches including the analysis of human normal and leukaemia samples, the identification of therapeutic vulnerabilities of leukaemia cells using CRISPR-Cas9 screens and the study of bespoke mouse and cellular models of leukaemia-associated gene mutations. Our overarching aim is to improve the survival and quality of life of patients with leukaemia and related cancers.

RESPONSIBILITIES

This is a new position that has been created to provide both day-to-day support and strategic direction for the bioinformatic needs of our Group. This will involve the exploration of genomic datasets generated by our studies including DNA and methylome sequencing, RNA-seq/splicing, ChIP-Seq, single cell genomics and analysis of CRISPR-Cas9 screens. Working closely with our computational and wet lab scientists, as well as the extended Cancer Programme (www.sanger.ac.uk/scie[...]omics), the successful candidate will be responsible for the analysis, integration and visualisation of these datasets and will be able to harness the extensive expertise already available at the Sanger Institute for such analyses. A highly motivated individual will also be given the opportunity to pursue their own independent project in the field of leukaemia and/or related disorders.

Whilst direct expertise in such studies/analyses is desirable, enthusiasm, rigour and intellectual curiosity are more important for this role. Additional, the post holder will be responsive and reactive to the needs of their role/work, hands-on and able to instruct others in the use of simple command line skills for routine tasks. It is also envisaged that, as the role develops, the successful candidate will be given the opportunity to supervise visiting bioinformaticians or co-supervise MPhil students from the University of Cambridge or elsewhere.

REQUIREMENTS

PhD or equivalent expertise in a relevant subject area (e.g. Computational Biology, Population Genetics/Genomics, Computer Science, Physics, Mathematics or similar)

Enthusiasm, intellectual curiosity and rigour

Proficiency in one or more scripting languages (e.g. C, C++, Perl, Python, Java)

Strong statistical and quantitative skills

Ability to manage own projects

Ability to work independently, organise own workload and meet tight deadlines

Ability to communicate ideas and results effectively

Ability to work within a team

PREFERENCES

Experience in genomics and sequencing data acquisition methods

Good publication record

Experience of developing software systems

Track record of delivering complex informatics projects

Knowledge and experience of UNIX/Linux and cluster computing

Experience in presenting data to outside groups or at national/international meetings

Experience in supervising others

LOCALE

Fixed term for 3 years.

COMPENSATION

To help researchers to develop their skills and networks, the Institute hosts a range of scientific seminars with internal and invited speakers, scientific group meetings and skills development workshops. Our Benefits include: Defined Contribution Pension Scheme, Group Income Protection, Healthcare scheme, Childcare Vouchers, Workplace Nursery and 25 days Annual Leave, increasing by one day per year up to a maximum of 30, plus Bank Holidays. We also have a gym, two cafes, dining facilities, and a free campus bus service. Our thriving Sports and Social Club provides many opportunities to meet with people working across the campus.

ABOUT US

The Sanger Institute is a charitably funded research centre focused on understanding the role of genetics in health and disease. We use state of the art large-scale genomic approaches to drive world-leading projects to uncover the basis of genetic and infectious disease. Our goal is to provide results that can be translated into diagnostics, treatments or therapies that reduce global health burdens. The Institute is located near Cambridge, UK on the stunning Wellcome Genome Campus. This growing and dynamic site is the British hub of genomic science. It hosts the European Bioinformatics Institute (EBI), Open Targets, a Biodata Innovation Centre and will soon host Genomics England Limited's 100,000 Genomes Sequencing Centre. The Campus is also home to Wellcome Genome Campus Connecting Science. Connecting Science inspires new thinking, sparks conversation and supports learning by drawing on the ground-breaking research taking place on the Campus. Its mission is to enable everyone to explore genomic science and its impact on research, health and society.